We’ve all been there before: strange noises or odors emanating from our HVAC system, high energy bills and uneven or inconsistent temperatures. All of these warning signs could indicate different issues with your HVAC system, but here are the most common problems we find with tips on how to address them! 

Deferred or Neglected Maintenance 

If this isn’t your first trip to the ENA Blog, you already know how often we stress semi-annual tune-ups for the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Any number of issues can emerge if you go years without having your system inspected, cleaned, tightened, etc. When it comes to heating and cooling, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! 

Refrigerant Leaks

In the summer, you rely on the liquid agent known as refrigerant to cool and dehumidify the air. But when your unit doesn’t have enough of it, the air it produces won’t feel very cool. This can make the space uncomfortable and your system work even harder, driving up energy costs. Look for oil forming anywhere around your compressor as a sign of a potential leak, and call a certified technician to troubleshoot. 

Old Filters

Filters that go past their expiration date will force your system to work harder, reducing the expected life of your system and driving up energy bills. Check your filters frequently — depending on usage, they may need to be changed monthly. 

Uneven Air

Hot or cold air will travel through ductwork to reach the end destination. Gaps or cracks in the ductwork as well as imbalanced dampers (which restrict and direct airflow) can cause uneven temperatures in a space. Ask a service technician to determine if dampers are installed and if they are properly balanced.

Thermostat Settings

We couldn’t end this post without a callout of a problem-causing component that’s near and dear to our hearts: the thermostat. If the temperature sensing is inaccurate, or the settings are not properly configured, a thermostat can drive the operation of your system poorly. To avoid high energy bills and uncomfortable occupants, take advantage of a smart thermostat (like yours truly) and benefit from robust insights about your system’s performance.  

With complex systems such as HVAC, so many things can go wrong. We recommend being as proactive as possible; taking good care of your system ensures you won’t have to break the bank to keep people comfortable. Happy heating!